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Bertha Lee Strickland Cultural Museum

Bertha Lee Strickland Cultural Museum is a cultural exhibit museum focusing on the rich, sometimes turbulent history, culture, and contributions of local African-Americans The museum’s exhibits and events blend technology and tradition to create a meaningful and educational experience for all ages. Bertha Lee Strickland Cultural Museum is about people of the past and present whose stories will impact generations.
photo of Foothills Farmstead opening day

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Foothills Farmstead

The Foothills Farmstead is a living-history, working farm from the first half of the 1900s. A “work in progress,” the farmstead is relocating 13 historic structures to a 16-acre property in Oakway, SC. The main farmhouse is on location and now open to the public. Everyone is welcome to come learn about life on the “family farm” as it was in the region 100 years ago. HOURS: Thursday & Friday 12-5pm; Saturday 10am-3pm.

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General Store Museum

Housed in the Barrett-Jones building on Main Street in Westminster, SC, the General Store Museum displays a collection of historic artifacts from the original England’s General Merchandise store. OPEN Thursday, Friday 11:00am – 4:00pm and Saturday 11:00am – 2:30pm.
image of Lunney Museum

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Lunney Museum

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, The Lunney Museum was built in 1909 by its original residents Dr. William James and Lillian Mason Lunney. The House is a 1909 Queen Anne style “California” bungalow with arts and crafts interior. The property features a carriage house and “two-seater” outhouse. The museum provides educational content focused on the history of Seneca, the Lunney Family/Home, and rural southern culture. THE MUSEUM IS CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
image of the Museum of the Cherokee in South Carolina

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Museum of the Cherokee in SC

Funded through grants and donations, the museum is open Thursday – Saturday from 11am-4pm. The mission is to provide deeper and more meaningful understanding of the Cherokee heritage in South Carolina. The museum exhibits many artifacts that were recovered prior to constructing Lake Jocassee and Lake Keowee. These lakes were built in the 1970s and flooded ancestral land. The public can learn more about the native people through displays and continuing education opportunities.

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Oconee History Museum

Explore the history of Native Americans, immigration, railroads, New Deal programs, textile mills, agriculture and much more as it relates to Oconee County. The exhibit hall offers a self-guided tour of Oconee’s history. In addition to the museum, there is a classroom frequently used by local businesses and social groups for meetings and functions. OPEN Tuesday through Saturday 11:00am – 5:00pm. Not-for-profit organization. Free admission/$3 per person donation is encouraged.
cropped image of exterior of Oconee Military Museum

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Oconee Military Museum at Patriots Hall

An opportunity for Oconee citizens, their families and visitors, to see how veterans have contributed and sacrificed for our country, the world and our freedom. No charge to visit the museum. OPEN Thursday – Saturday, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm

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Oconee Station State Historic Site

Built around 1792 during tensions between white settlers and Creek Indians, the Oconee Station itself was once one in a string of small frontier posts garnished by state militia. It was the last of its kind when it was decommissioned and the troops left in 1799. Its 20-inch stone walls are still standing today. Also on the site is the William Richards House built in 1805. It served as a private residence for 150 years. Site features picnicking, fishing and trail access to Station Cove Falls.

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Old Pickens Presbyterian Church

Listed on the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor and the National Register of Historic Places. This church/meeting house is the only building still standing on the site where the town of Pickens Courthouse was established in 1828. Not an actual museum, but the adjacent cemetery has over 200 historic graves dating back to 1790.
photo of Retreat Rosenwald School

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Retreat Rosenwald School

Also known as Retreat Colored School, this was one of 10 Rosenwald schools in Oconee County. It is the only one still in existence. The three-room school served rural African-American children from 1924-1950. It was partially funded by the national Rosenwald School Building program. In September 2011 the building was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. It has undergone renovation and is open for tours by appointment (864) 903-0547.
photo from the World of Energy

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World of Energy

An educational component of Duke Energy. The World of Energy is located on the shores of Lake Keowee at Oconee Nuclear Station in Seneca. Visitors can experience a free self-guided tour through the World of Energy museum which explains the history and process of energy production.

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